By Sainabou Sambou
President Adama Barrow underscored the importance of strengthening The Gambia’s security services to safeguard citizens from preventable harm during a vibrant passing-out ceremony for Police Recruit Intake 1, 2025, held at the Never Again Arch in Banjul on Tuesday.
Addressing the 1,333 graduating recruits, the president hailed their achievement as a milestone in bolstering national security amid growing population demands and evolving technological challenges.
“Empowering our security services is a vital way of achieving this goal,” President Barrow declared. “As Commander in Chief of the Gambia Armed and Security Forces, I will never abdicate the responsibility of protecting the residents of this country from preventable harm or danger.”
The ceremony, marked by pomp and pride, celebrated the largest batch of police recruits ever trained in The Gambia’s history. President Barrow emphasized that the nation’s rapid population growth and the dynamic influence of technology and social media necessitate a robust and responsive security framework. “Today’s ceremony reflects The Gambia’s determination to have a police force that benefits our circumstances in terms of numbers, capabilities, and responsiveness to emerging security issues,” he said.
Congratulating the recruits for enduring a “rigorous journey of training, sacrifice, and growth,” Barrow described policing as one of the noblest professions globally. He painted a vivid picture of the sacrifices officers make, stating, “Day in and day out—be it in the depth of the night, under the hot burning sun, or during heavy downpours—police officers roam our streets to protect life and property, and to guarantee us rest, sleep, and leisure without fear of criminal attacks.”
The president highlighted recent government efforts to enhance police operations, including procuring nine brand-new vehicles to boost patrol capabilities. He stressed the importance of proactive and community policing as cornerstones of crime prevention, aligning these efforts with the National Development Plan (2023–2027). The plan outlines comprehensive policy and institutional reforms aimed at empowering the police force while ensuring the safety of both citizens and officers.
Addressing the recruits directly, Barrow urged them to uphold discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct in their duties. “You have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the men and women who served before you and devoted their lives to the nation as heroes. Their legacies rest on your shoulders for you to carry with pride,” he said. He concluded his address by expressing immense pride in the recruits, encouraging them to embody values of persistence, resilience, honor, and service.
Inspector General of Police Seedy Muctarr Touray, in his remarks, described the event as a “special milestone,” noting that the 2025 intake was the first selected and trained under his leadership. “I was closely monitoring events at the Police Training School to ensure you get the best possible training before we deploy you to the streets to maintain law and order,” Touray said.
He emphasized the rigorous recruitment and training process, designed to produce disciplined, motivated, and professional officers. The recruits underwent extensive training in criminal law, human rights, gender and child rights, and community policing. Touray expressed confidence in their ability to reduce crime and foster peace across Gambian communities, urging them to treat citizens with respect, enforce the law fairly, and maintain professionalism at all times.
ACP Lamin Manka, Commandant of the Police Training School, hailed the 2025 intake as historic, not only for its unprecedented size but also for being the first under his command and that of IGP Touray. The 1,333 graduates, including over 40 university graduates, five medical doctors, and numerous teachers, completed 70 training modules covering academic and psychomotor skills. These included weapons handling, martial arts, and public order management, equipping them to operate in a modern democratic environment focused on human rights and the rule of law.
“This intake has persevered, remained persistent, consistent, and constant during the course of the training,” Manka said. He urged the new officers to remain accountable, communicative, and consultative in their decision-making, emphasizing the importance of upholding the values instilled during their training.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, families, and community members, was a testament to The Gambia’s commitment to building a capable and responsive police force. The diverse composition of the graduating class, coupled with their comprehensive training, signals a new era for law enforcement in the country. As the recruits prepare to take to the streets, their mission is clear: to protect and serve with integrity, ensuring the safety and security of all Gambians.
President Barrow’s address and the historic graduation underscore the government’s dedication to modernizing its security services. With new resources, a clear policy framework, and a fresh cohort of well-trained officers, The Gambia is poised to strengthen its national security infrastructure, fostering peace and stability for years to come.
